Traveling alone in Guatemala

It is more and more frequent to go alone to visit a pays and Guatemala is no exception to this rule. Many people who do not know much about this beautiful country think it is a dangerous destination. However, this is a country where I have met a lot of travelers and especially single travelers. 

But then, you are probably wondering if this country is safe for traveling alone?

I went to visit this country on my own for a little over two weekss and here is the feedback I can give. 

Traveling alone in Guatemala: dangerous or not?

Guatemala is a relatively safe country to travel alone. Obviously, like any country, it is necessary pay attention et to be careful when you go to travel alone in a foreign country. Many people imagine Guatemala to be a very dangerous country for tourists with a lot of drug trafficking, assaults, murders etc. So obviously I will be lying to you that there are none of these problems, however tourists are not the primary targets of drug traffickers or murder etc. There are many attacks and conflicts between the various gangs in the country but the tourists are not the targets. 

In contrast, the Guatemala can be dangerous for tourists in some areas which are to be avoided (in particular certain districts of Guatemala City) but apart from that the country remains safe for travelers. 

Therefore, traveling alone is not a problem when staying in tourist areas and not venturing alone into very remote places or risky areas. In addition, we must stay extremely careful when you venture out alone at nightfall. This is something that is not recommended to do. Better to choose to travel by taxi or tuk-tuk in the evening to avoid any inconvenience. 

Traveling alone in Guatemala as a woman 

When I went to Guatemala on my own, I was impressed by the number of women traveling alone. I think this is one of the rare countries that I have visited where I feel like I have seen more single women than single men. I do not did not expect to see so many single travelers in a destination which however frightens some. 

All this to tell you that traveling alone in Guatemala when you are a woman is not a problem, it is even very common.

Obviously, as a woman, you can be a easier target and therefore it is necessary redouble attention in my opinion. But I never felt in danger in this country. 

The inhabitants are of a extreme kindness all the more for single travelers I have the impression. 

Several times I found myself a little lost alone in this beautiful country and there have always been adorable locals to come and help me or ask me what I was looking for etc. I never felt that people were interested unlike other countries. I especially have felt a deep kindness which touched me a lot and made me feel comfortable and welcome in this country.

 

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How to travel alone in Guatemala safely?

No matter where you travel, when you are away from home alone you should be extra careful. Guatemala is no exception to this rule. 

As a woman traveling alone in this country, here is some advice I can give you after having experienced it:

• Avoid walking around at nightfall alone in the small streets of the villages (especially I am thinking of the villages of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City or Antigua)
• Dress properly : you will see that women in Guatemala dress in a traditional way with long, colorful and loose outfits that cover their entire body. Also, you will often see women bathing dressed and not in small bikini. Obviously, this does not prevent you from swimming in a swimsuit, but be careful depending on the location. Especially in public transport or large markets, it is better to cover up a little than to walk around in mini-shorts / tank top.
• Find out about tourist activities : some tourist activities such as climbing volcanoes are done during the night in order to be able to attend the sunrise from the summit. Be careful and prefer to take a guide or join a group for these kinds of activities. Indeed, I am thinking in particular of the San Pedro volcano or the Indian Nose on the shores of Lake Atitlan. It is not uncommon to find "banditos" in the area who take advantage of the darkness to attack tourists who hike alone. So be very careful and check with small tourist agencies before embarking on such adventures alone.
• Be careful when traveling: when you move, you have different options, either the chicken buses or the shuttle buses to share. In any case when you move, take care of your belongings, always keep an eye on them. I have heard stories of bags being stolen from the roofs of buses so keep your valuables close to you on the bus and protect your belongings as much as possible.